Is Celexa associated with stomach pain?

In this blog post, we are going to talk about celexa induced stomach pain. Celexa is an antidepressant which is used to treat a variety of mental health conditions. This antidepressant is associated with a number of side effects including stomach pain. 

This blog will cover the possible root causes of celexa induced Abdominal pain and what could be done to help get rid of it. 

Is celexa associated with stomach pain? 

Yes, celexa is associated with stomach pain. It is, in fact, one of the most common side effects of this antidepressant. It normally causes acid reflux, bloating, flatulence and diarrhoea, which are the most common causes of stomach pain while taking celexa.

Several research studies have studied this side effect and determined excess stomach muscle contraction, vomiting and acid reflux to be the cause of this pain. The intensity of stomach pain varies from person to person. 

Some people may feel mild discomfort or pain during the first few weeks of your treatment, which may begin to subside within 2 to 3 weeks. However, some people may experience stomach pain so severe that they can’t continue their treatment with celexa and they’re switched to another antidepressant. 

Experts believe that any underlying health condition can also increase the severity of celexa induced stomach pain because antidepressants can affect the condition or make it much worse. Make sure you properly give your medical history and try not to miss anything out.

If there’s a slight chance of celexa worsening your pre-existing health condition, your doctor will not prescribe it. Instead, a safer medicine will be preferred.

How to get rid of celexa induced stomach pain? 

There are a few tips that can help relieve the side effects which may make your stomach hurt. These include:

Over-the-counter acid reducers 

You can also try OTC medications to help relieve the symptoms of acid reflux which may be the biggest cause of your abdominal pain. Make sure you ask for your doctor’s approval first to rule out any drug interaction. 

Antacids are widely used to relieve heartburn. They are alkaline in nature and once inside your stomach, they neutralise gastric acid. Examples include Aluminium hydroxide gel (Alternagel), calcium carbonate (Alka-Seltzer), gaviscon, pepto-Bismol etc. 

Histamine-2-blockers are also used to relieve heartburn. These OTC meds inhibit the production of gastric acid. Examples include cimetidine, famotidine, rimantadine, zantac 360 and nizatidine etc. 

Proton pump inhibitors or PPIs are also used to inhibit stomach acid secretion. These meds are used worldwide to treat heartburn and indigestion. Examples include lansoprazole (Prevacid), esomeprazole (Nexium), and omeprazole (Risek)

Antidiarrheal agents

In case of severe diarrhoea, your doctor might prescribe antidiarrheal agents like loperamide (Brand name: Imodium). It slows down the movement of food through your intestines, which lets your body absorb more liquid and makes your stool less watery. 

Probiotics 

Probiotics should be considered a must, when dealing with meds that upset your stomach. They are actually ‘good’ bacteria which reside naturally in your gut. 

In case of diarrhoea, most of these bacteria are lost because of watery stools. The addition of probiotics will help replenish those good bacteria and bring your stomach back to its normal state. 

Lifestyle changes that might help

There are a few lifestyle changes that might help to fight against celexa induced side effects. These include:

Exercise

Exercise helps to release ‘happy chemicals’ in your body. Make sure you include some kind of physical activity in your routine. Be it walking, jogging, HIIT (High intensity interval training) or even just yoga. Exercise at least 3-4 days a week. 

Diet

Diet is the most important aspect of your lifestyle. Make sure you include nutritious foods in your diet. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein etc. 

Quit smoking

It’s not much of a surprise that smoking is injurious to your health. It harms you in more ways than you can think. If you’re a chain smoker, you can not quit it overnight.

In order to cut back, you should start activities that support your smoking cessation. Nicotine gums are often used as the first step to quit smoking 

Limit the use of alcohol 

The use of alcohol along with celexa increases the intensity of side effects. It can cause confusion and anxiety. Try to limit it as much as you can. It also leaves drastic effects on your liver. 

Limit the use of caffeine and energy drinks

The use of caffeine or energy drinks can increase the intensity of these gastrointestinal side effects. Carbonated drinks also play a negative role here and they should be avoided if you’re having an upset stomach. 

Stay hydrated 

Drink plenty of water. It removes toxins from your body. Try making detox water, using your favourite fruits. It makes your water less boring and much more nutritious. 

When to call your doctor

Call your doctor if:

• Your stomach pain gets unbearable 
• You are unable to eat
• You’re constantly throwing up your food or can’t even stand the smell of it
• You’re losing weight rapidly

Immediately contact your healthcare provider if you notice other symptoms which require immediate medical attention. Do not stop taking celexa abruptly. Otherwise, you will end up suffering from withdrawal or discontinuation syndrome.

Such medications are always tapered off if one needs to stop using them. This too, is done under the supervision of your doctor. 

What are the additional side effects of celexa? 

The most common side effects of celexa include:

• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhoea or Constipation 
• Acid reflux or heartburn 
• Abdominal pain 
• Loss of appetite 
• Weight gain or loss 
• Excessive sweating or night sweating (nocturnal/night hyperhidrosis) 
• Frequent urination 
• Polydipsia or excessive thirst
• Tremors 
• Muscle twitching and pain
• Drowsiness 
• Dizziness 
• Excessive tiredness or fatigue 
• Insomnia or inability to fall asleep 
• Xerostomia or dry mouth 
• Dysmenorrhea or heavy periods
• Flu like symptoms including irritation in eyes and runny nose
• Loss of libido in both male and females. Males may suffer from inability to release, while females may suffer from inability to have a climactic experience. 

Celexa (Citalopram) is also associated with some serious side effects, which may include:

• Allergic reaction associated with symptoms like redness of skin, itching, burning sensation, blisters, blue-purple patches, tightness of chest, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, hoarseness etc. 
• Auditory or visual hallucinations 
• Nose bleeds
• Severe headache
• Arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeats
• Impaired memory and concentration 
• Convulsions 
• Swelling or tenderness in different parts of the body.

Drug tips

• Make sure you take your celexa properly, as directed by your healthcare provider
• Try to take your med everyday at the same time
• It’s best to take celexa with or after food to prevent gastric acid reflux which not only causes stomach pain, but can also result in burning sensation in your stomach, oesophagus and throat. 
• If you’re taking an oral liquid form of celexa, you can either dilute it in water or other beverages like juices to mask the bitter taste of the drug. 
• Do not overdose.
• Keep your medication away from children and pets, if any. 

Conclusion

In this blog, we discussed celexa induced stomach pain. It is a common side effect and usually coupled with other gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, acid reflux, flatulence etc. 

Celexa associated side effects are believed to fade away within a few weeks of treatment. For some people it could take up to 2-3 months but they eventually subside when your body gets used to it. 

If your stomach pain does not go away on its own, your healthcare provider will prescribe some medication targeting the root cause of your stomach pain. 

For example: If you’re struggling with acid reflux which is making your stomach ache, a suitable antacid is prescribed to counteract the acid reflux. Make sure you closely monitor your side effects and inform your doctor. 

FAQs: celexa stomach pain

Does citalopram cause stomach problems?

Yes, citalopram causes stomach problems like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence, bloating, acid reflux, etc. These stomach problems cause pain and discomfort. 

What is the most common side effect of Celexa?

• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhoea or Constipation 
• Acid reflux or heartburn 
• Abdominal pain 
• Loss of appetite 
• Weight gain or loss 
• Excessive sweating or night sweating (nocturnal/night hyperhidrosis) 
• Frequent urination 
• Polydipsia or excessive thirst
• Tremors 
• Muscle twitching and pain
• Drowsiness 
• Dizziness 

Does the upset stomach from celexa go away?

Typically, less adverse side effects of celexa fade away in 3 to 4 weeks, as your body adapts to the med. But if your side effects are not bearable, and if your stomach pain causes major discomfort, immediately reach out to your healthcare provider. Do not wait for it to subside on its own.

Does Celexa make you feel worse at first?

Yes, celexa may make you feel worse before it makes you feel better. It is a common phenomenon that antidepressants act this way because these meds take 4-7 weeks to start producing their beneficial effects. However, these meds take much less time to produce side effects. This is why you feel bad before feeling good. 

Can citalopram make you tired?

Yes, citalopram can cause tiredness, sleepiness or fatigue. Tiredness is, in fact, one of the most commonly experienced side effects of celexa. Antidepressants often stimulate other receptors and mediators, including histamine and acetylcholine, which sometimes lead to unpleasant side effects such as dry mouth, blurry vision, weight gain, and tiredness.

Can celexa change your personality? 

Celexa can fix your personality if your depression has ruined it in one way or another. Some people become agitated when they suffer from depression. They isolate themselves and stop hanging out with their friends and family. 

They stop engaging in their favourite activities and don’t even feel like leaving their house. This long-term isolation, anxiety and overthinking can mess up a person’s brain. Celexa fixes these depression symptoms. 

Over time, people start feeling better and start engaging in normal activities which seemed nerve-racking during the episodes of depression. This is how prozac affects your personality.

Does your brain go back to normal after antidepressants?

Your brain does go back to normal after you stop using antidepressants, but it takes time and this time taken depends on the duration of your antidepressant therapy. It could take up to 10 months to go back to your normal serotonin levels, after long-term antidepressant therapy.

References 

• Vincenzo Oliva et al. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2021. – Gastrointestinal side effects associated with antidepressant treatments in patients with major depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33549697
• James M. Ferguson, M.D. – SSRI Antidepressant Medications: Adverse Effects and Tolerability https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181155/
• Celexa – Uses, Side Effects, and More https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-8603/celexa-oral/details
• Citalopram (Oral Route) https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/citalopram-oral-route/description/drg-20062980